Around the National League

Published 5:30 am, Monday, June 11, 2001

Atlanta Braves -- LHP John Rocker was booed every time he stepped out from under the bullpen canopy by a crowd angry over his remarks to Sports Illustrated two years ago denigrating New Yorkers, immigrants and homosexuals.

Cincinnati Reds -- Little has gone Cincinnati's way in 2001. The Reds have been without Ken Griffey Jr. most of the season, All-Star shortstop Barry Larkin is one of eight players on the disabled list, and they haven't fielded their projected opening-day lineup once.

Pittsburgh Pirates -- Despite Sunday's 11-8 win over the Twins, Pittsburgh (19-41) is still off to its worst start since 1954. ... OF Derek Bell's rehabilitation assignment at Class AAA Nashville ended Sunday. Bell is on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left knee.

San Diego Padres -- RHP Carlton Loewer made his first major-league appearance since Sept. 20, 1999, and allowed six runs and six hits in 2 1/3 innings. He took the loss.

San Francisco Giants -- LF Barry Bonds has homered in 13 of his last 21 games but was unable to hit one for the fans at the Oakland Coliseum in the weekend series. The most prolific lefthanded home run hitter ever in the National League, Bonds has hit 526 homers for 11th place on the career list. He needs eight to tie Jimmie Foxx for 10th.